Demand for answers on trawler

A DECISION to let a super trawler operate out of Devonport could have already been made by the federal government, according to Greens MP Paul O'Halloran.

A DECISION to let a super trawler operate out of Devonport could have already been made by the federal government, according to Greens MP Paul O'Halloran.

Mr O'Halloran holds concerns a deal may have already been struck, which would see a monster fishing vessel operate in Tasmanian waters.

Seafish Tasmania's plan to bring the 136-metre super trawler Abel Tasman to Devonport in 2012 was blocked by the then federal Labor government, banning it from fishing in Australian waters for two years pending an expert panel assessment.

However, The Advocate revealed yesterday that Seafish Tasmania director Gerry Geen still has plans to operate a vessel like the Abel Tasman out of Devonport.

Mr O'Halloran said state Liberal Leader Will Hodgman needed to disclose how much he knew of Senator Richard Colbeck's apparent support for Seafish Tasmania's super trawler push.

"Has Mr Hodgman been involved in any of these discussions between Seafish Tasmania and Senator Colbeck, or has he been left out of that loop?

"The state Liberal and Labor parties both need to stand up for Tasmanian communities, commercial and recreational fishery industries, however, Mr Hodgman must be crystal clear with Senator Colbeck and Tony Abbott that the super trawler is not welcome here."

"Small pelagic fisheries are already decimated in southern Pacific waters and to put further pressure on these fisheries, which underpin other fish species, and commercial and recreational fisheries is ludicrous and reckless."

Senator Colbeck's office was contacted for comment.

Deputy Liberal leader Jeremy Rockliff reaffirmed his party's position on the trawler.

"We didn't support it and we won't support it unless the new science shows it is sustainable, and will have no adverse impacts on the recreational fishery," Mr Rockliff said.